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Review Article
Vascular health late after Kawasaki disease: implications for accelerated atherosclerosis
Yiu-Fai Cheung
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2014;57(11):472-478.   Published online November 30, 2014

Kawasaki disease (KD), an acute vasculitis that primarily affects young children, is the most common acquired paediatric cardiovascular disease in developed countries. While sequelae of arterial inflammation in the acute phase of KD are well documented, its late effects on vascular health are increasingly unveiled. Late vascular dysfunction is characterized by structural alterations and functional impairment in term of arterial...

Original Article
Clinical characteristics and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide as a diagnostic marker of Kawasaki disease in infants younger than 3 months of age
Hyun Kyung Bae, Do Kyung Lee, Jung Hyun Kwon, Hae Soon Kim, Sejung Sohn, Young Mi Hong
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2014;57(8):357-362.   Published online August 25, 2014
Purpose

The incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) is rare in young infants (less than 3 months of age), who present with only a few symptoms that fulfill the clinical diagnostic criteria. The diagnosis for KD can therefore be delayed, leading to a high risk of cardiac complications. We examined the clinical characteristics and measured the serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic...

Changes of clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with Kawasaki disease over the past 7 years in a single center study
Hye Jin Kang, Gee Na Kim, Hong Ryang Kil
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2013;56(9):389-395.   Published online September 30, 2013
Purpose

This single-center study was conducted to assess the changes in epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) over the past 7 years.

Methods

This retrospective study included 135 children with KD, admitted to Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, between 2004 and 2005 (group A, n=53) and between 2011 and 2012 (group B, n=82). Medical records were reviewed...

Review Article
Kawasaki disease in infants
Jung Sook Yeom, Hyang Ok Woo, Ji Sook Park, Eun Sil Park, Ji-Hyun Seo, Hee-Shang Youn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2013;56(9):377-382.   Published online September 30, 2013

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness that is the predominant cause of pediatric acquired heart disease in infants and young children. Because the diagnosis of KD depends on clinical manifestations, incomplete cases are difficult to diagnose, especially in infants younger than 1 year. Incomplete clinical manifestations in infants are related with the development of KD-associated coronary artery abnormalities....

Original Article
Predictors of nonresponse to intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in Kawasaki disease
Hyo Min Park, Dong Won Lee, Myung Chul Hyun, Sang Bum Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2013;56(2):75-79.   Published online February 25, 2013
Purpose

It has been reported that 10% to 20% of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) will not respond to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. In this study, we aimed to identify useful predictors of therapeutic failure in children with KD.

Methods

We examined 309 children diagnosed with KD at the Kyungpook National University Hospital and the Inje University Busan Paik Hospital between January 2005...

Clinical characteristics of Kawasaki disease with sterile pyuria
Ja Yun Choi, Sun Young Park, Kwang Hae Choi, Yong Hoon Park, Young Hwan Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2013;56(1):13-18.   Published online January 29, 2013
Purpose

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis and affects many organ systems. It often presents sterile pyuria, microscopic hematuria, and proteinuria due to renal involvement. The aims of this study were to define clinical characteristics of acute KD patients with pyuria and to analyze meaning of pyuria in KD.

Methods

The medical records and laboratory findings including serum and urine test of...

Epidemiology of Kawasaki disease in infants 3 months of age and younger
Eun Jung Lee, Yong Won Park, Young Mi Hong, Joon Sung Lee, Ji Whan Han
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2012;55(6):202-205.   Published online June 21, 2012
Purpose

This study investigated the epidemiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) in infants ≤3-month-old.

Methods

To study the epidemiology of KD in Korea, data for 27,851 KD patients were collected on a 3-year basis between 2000 and 2008 in a retrospective survey. From this, data for 609 KD patients ≤3-month-old were analyzed and compared with the data for KD patients >3-month-old.

Results

The 609 KD patients...

Review Article
Diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease
Jeong Jin Yu
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2012;55(3):83-87.   Published online March 16, 2012

Several authors suggested that the clinical characteristics of incomplete presentation of Kawasaki disease are similar to those of complete presentation and that the 2 forms of presentation are not separate entities. Based on this suggestion, a diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease in analogy to the findings of complete presentation is reasonable. Currently, the diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease might be...

Original Article
Transforming growth factor beta receptor II polymorphisms are associated with Kawasaki disease
Yu Mi Choi, Kye Sik Shim, Kyung Lim Yoon, Mi Young Han, Sung Ho Cha, Su Kang Kim, Joo Ho Jung
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2012;55(1):18-23.   Published online January 31, 2012
Purpose

Transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a role in the differentiation of striated cells and remodeling of coronary arteries. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene are associated with Marfan syndrome and sudden death in patients with coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular remodeling and T cell activation of TGFBR2 gene suggest that the...

Log-transformed plasma level of brain natriuretic peptide during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease is quantitatively associated with myocardial dysfunction
Sunhee Bang, Jeong Jin Yu, Myung-Ki Han, Hong Ki Ko, Sail Chun, Hyung Soon Choi, Young-Hwue Kim, Jae-Kon Ko, In-Sook Park
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2011;54(8):340-344.   Published online August 31, 2011
Purpose

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been considered a biochemical marker for myocarditis in Kawasaki disease. We performed this study to determine its quantitative significance.

Methods

We attempted to correlate log-transformed BNP concentrations (log-BNP) and clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic variables in 81 children with Kawasaki disease. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the variables independently associated with log-BNP concentration.

Results

Serum C-reactive...

Polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase are not a risk factor for Kawasaki disease in the Korean population
Kyung Lim Yoon, Jin Hee Ko, Kye Shik Shim, Mi Young Han, Sung Ho Cha, Su Kang Kim, Joo Ho Jung
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2011;54(8):335-339.   Published online August 31, 2011
Purpose

Hyperhomocysteinemia is known as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Preclinical arteriosclerosis is noted and premature atherosclerosis is known to be accelerated in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients. Genetic polymorphisms in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene result in elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations and are known to be associated with the development of coronary artery disease. Our hypothesis is that single nucleotide polymorphisms...

Alteration of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell level in Kawasaki disease
Su Ye Sohn, Young Wooh Song, Yun Ku Yeo, Yun Kyung Kim, Gi Young Jang, Chan Wook Woo, Jung Hwa Lee, Kwang Chul Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2011;54(4):157-162.   Published online April 30, 2011
Purpose

Exaggerated pro-inflammatory reactions during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) suggest the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of KD. We investigated the profiles of T regulatory cells and their correlation with the clinical course of KD.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from 17 KD patients during acute febrile and subacute afebrile phases. T cells expressing CD4, CD25,...

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in patients with Kawasaki disease
Mi Na Lee, Jie Hae Cha, Hye Mi Ahn, Jeong Hyun Yoo, Hae Soon Kim, Sejung Sohn, Young Mi Hong
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2011;54(3):123-127.   Published online March 31, 2011
Purpose

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the main cause of acquired heart disease in children. In addition to cardiovascular involvement, many complications have been recognized in KD. However, respiratory complications have been rarely reported. We investigated the differences in clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, radiography findings, and echocardiography findings of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and other types of pneumonia in KD patients.

Methods

Among 358 patients...

NT-proBNP as a useful tool in diagnosing incomplete Kawasaki disease
Dong Won Lee, Yeo Hyang Kim, Myung Chul Hyun, Tae Chan Kwon, Sang Bum Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2010;53(4):519-524.   Published online April 15, 2010
Purpose : To determine the efficacy of the N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a useful diagnostic method in children with incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD). Methods : Ninety-six patients who were diagnosed as having KD between January 2008 and June 2009 were enrolled in the study. American Heart Association recommendations for diagnosis were used, and patients were divided into...
Clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 in Kawasaki disease
Ki Wook Yun, Sin Weon Sin, Jung Ju Lee, Soo Ahn Chae, In Seok Lim, Eung Sang Choi, Byoung Hoon Yoo, Mi-Kyung Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2010;53(4):510-518.   Published online April 15, 2010
Purpose : Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis, a leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. Histopathological findings of coronary artery lesion (CAL) in KD indicate destruction of the coronary artery wall with diffuse vasculitis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) might play central roles in this process. Special attention to MMP-9 has recently been emerging....
The characteristic laboratory findings of non-responsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulin in children with Kawasaki disease
Han Gil Cho, Young Kuk Cho, Jae Sook Ma
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2010;53(2):228-234.   Published online February 15, 2010
Purpose : Although intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment is an effective first-line treatment for Kawasaki disease, 10-20% of the patients develop persistent fever or coronary artery complications. Medical records of Kawasaki disease patients were reviewed to assess the characteristic laboratory findings of IVIG nonresponsiveness. Methods : We reviewed the clinical records of 118 children with Kawasaki disease who were treated at...
Serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and adiponectin levels in Kawasaki disease
Jung Ahn, Han Gyu Kim, Sejung Sohn, Young Mi Hong
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2010;53(1):41-47.   Published online January 15, 2010
Purpose : Adiponectin is an endogenous modulator of vascular remodeling that suppresses vascular inflammation. However, the role of adiponectin in Kawasaki disease (KD) has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between serum adiponectin level and several parameters, such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, lipid profile, and C reactive protein (CRP), and...
Association between Kawasaki disease and acute respiratory viral infections
Eun Young Cho, Byung Wook Eun, Nam Hee Kim, Jina Lee, Eun Hwa Choi, Hoan Jong Lee, Jung Yun Choi
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2009;52(11):1241-1248.   Published online November 15, 2009
Purpose : The etiology of Kawasaki disease (KD) is still unknown. Recently, an association between human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) and KD was implicated. Hence, we attempted to determine the association between KD and acute respiratory viral infections. Methods : Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from 54 patients diagnosed with KD at the Seoul National University (SNU) Children’s Hospital and SNU-Bundang Hospital...
Predictive indicators of coronary artery complications in Kawasaki disease
Min Jee Park, In-sang Jeon, Hann Tchah, Kang Ho Cho, Mi-Jin Jung, Deok Young Choi
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2009;52(10):1161-1166.   Published online October 15, 2009
Purpose : Kawasaki disease—the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children—incidence is increasing yearly. Therefore, we evaluated the predictive indicators of coronary complications of Kawasaki disease based on clinical and laboratory data. Methods : Between January 2005 and March 2008, of the 201 children with Kawasaki disease treated at the Gil Hospital of Gachon University of Medicine and...
The relationship between catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphism and coronary artery abnormality in Kawasaki disease
Hyo Jin Lee, Myung Sook Lee, Ji Sook Kim, Eun Ryoung Kim, Sung Wook Kang, Soo Kang Kim, Joo Ho Chun, Kyung Lim Yoon, Mi Young Han, Seong Ho Cha
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2009;52(1):87-92.   Published online January 15, 2009
Purpose : Many gene polymorphisms are associated with coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease. Catechol-O- methyltransferase (COMT) plays an important role in the metabolism of catecholamines, catechol estrogen, and catechol drugs. Polymorphisms of the COMT gene are reported to be associated with myocardial infarction and coronary artery abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between COMT...
Case Report
Kawasaki disease presenting as retropharyngeal abscess
Sung Yoon Cho, Hye Kyung Cho, Ky Young Cho, Hae Soon Kim, Sejung Sohn
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2008;51(9):1023-1027.   Published online September 15, 2008
A group of patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) initially present with cervical lymphadenitis or deep neck infection. These unusual KD presentations lead to unnecessary antibiotic therapy or surgical intervention, thereby delaying intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and increasing the risk of coronary artery damage. We present four KD patients whose initial presentations mimicked a retropharyngeal abscess. Nonsuppurative cervical lymphadenitis or suspected neck...
A case of Kawasaki disease preceding a retropharyngeal abscess
Hee Ok Park, Jae Woo Lim, Eun Jung Cheon, Kyung Ok Ko
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2008;51(5):542-545.   Published online May 15, 2008
Epidural hematoma (EDH) is relatively rare in newborn infants and frequently associated with instrumental deliveries or other complications during labor and delivery. Although surgical evacuation has been the most common therapy, many other procedures have been suggested. Although many epidural hematomas require surgical evacuation rather than non-surgical management, the conservatiob or aspiration of hematoma have been attempted. In the case...
Review Article
Cardiovascular complications after Kawasaki disease and its management
Gi Young Jang
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2008;51(5):462-467.   Published online May 15, 2008
Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, usually occurring in infants and young children. Although the etiology of Kawasaki disease remains uncertain, its serious complicationssuch as giant aneurysm formation, coronary arterial stenotic lesions, and thrombotic occlusionhave been proven to cause myocardial ischemia or infarction in patients with Kawasaki disease. To prevent and treat these complications, several modes of...
Update on treatment in acute stage of Kawasaki disease
Ji Whan Han
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2008;51(5):457-461.   Published online May 15, 2008
Kawasaki disease (KD) was first described by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki in his 1975 study, published in Pediatrics. Its pathogenesis is still not clearly understood. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to preventing concomitant coronary artery complications. Most KD patients respond well to the standard treatment of aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin; however, some of them are refractory to the standard...
Epidemiology of Kawasaki disease in Korea
Yong Won Park
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2008;51(5):452-456.   Published online May 15, 2008
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in infants and young children. Initially described in 1967 by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, it is now the most common cause of acquired heart disease among children in developed nations. Although KD has been reported across all racial and ethnic groups, the incidence of KD is more...
Original Article
Influence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endostatin on coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease
Seon A Kim, Bum Suk Jung, Jong Seo Yoon, Ji Whan Han, Joon Sung Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2007;50(12):1241-1246.   Published online December 15, 2007

Purpose: Recently, there has been several studies to clarify the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD) and the relations of VEGF and endostatin that act on vascular endothelial cells to the coronary artery complications. In this report, we measured serum levels of VEGF and endostatin in acute and subacute phases of KD to assess the change of these levels and the...
Change of hemostatic markers according to the clinical state in Kawasaki disease
Yong Beom Kim, You Sook Yoon, Sang Yun Lee, Hong Ryang Kil
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2007;50(12):1247-1251.   Published online December 15, 2007
Purpose : Pathologically, Kawasaki disease (KD) is associated with widespread vascular endothelial damage in the acute phase. The vasculitis induced endothelial injury leads to coagulation abnormalities. Abnormalities of endothelial function, platelet activation, and fibrinolysis are present during acute phase and long after the onset of KD. The aim of study is to evaluate the change of hemostatic markers in the...
Clinical characteristics and progress of Kawasaki disease patients who had early treatment with intravenous immune globulin
So-Yoon Park, Young Hwan Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2007;50(10):1005-1010.   Published online October 15, 2007
Purpose : To determine the optimal time of high dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment, we analysed the clinical characteristics and progress of a group of Kawasaki disease patients who had early treatment with IVIG. Method : A retrospective study was conducted of 188 patients with Kawasaki disease who were admitted to Yeungnam University Medical Center from January 2000 to December...
Clinical significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor in Kawasaki disease
Ho Seok Lee, Sin Weon Yun, Young Soo Jung, Soo Ahn Chae, In Seok Lim, Dong Keun Lee, Eung Sang Choi, Byung Hoon Yoo, Mi Kyung Lee
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2007;50(10):995-1004.   Published online October 15, 2007
Purpose : Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis, leading cause of pediatric acquired heart disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has functions as vascular permeability factor, plays an important role in coronary artery lesion (CAL). We studied the clinical significance of serum VEGF in Kawasaki disease. Methods : Kawasaki group was 49 patients, and control group was 15 patients. Diagnosis followed...
Polymorphism in the promoter region of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene in Kawasaki disease
Mi Young Han
Clin Exp Pediatr. 2007;50(6):570-575.   Published online June 15, 2007
Purpose : To demonstrate genetic background of pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease (KD), I examined the genetic polymorphism of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in KD patients. Methods : PCR-RFLP of PAI- 1 promotor gene was analyzed in 56 KD patients admitted to Kyunghee University Hospital, Gachon Medical School Gil Hospital, and Eulji Hospital from March to August 2000 and 206 normal...